Inspired by Joey Deacon

Towards the end of last year, a small group of Rowan students were invited to the Cambridge University Library, as part of the Cambridge Festival 2024, to explore literature written by – or about – people with disabilities. Amongst the various stories they discovered, one autobiography stood out. It was the story of a man named Joey Deacon. 

Born in 1920 in Camberwell, South London, Joey Deacon faced the challenges of severe Cerebral Palsy from an early age, resulting in limited motor control and communication difficulties. After his mother’s passing when he was six, Joey spent much of his life at St Lawrence’s Hospital in Caterham. Despite societal perceptions that he couldn’t communicate, Joey, with the support of friends Ernie, Michael, and Tom, defied the odds and penned his autobiography, “Tongue Tied,” published in 1974. The book’s success not only gave Joey a voice but also enabled him and his friends to move to a specially designed bungalow, providing newfound independence and hope for the future.

The Drama Llamas, also known as Rowan’s drama students, were so inspired by Joey’s story that they decided to turn it into a project. Over the last couple of months, the students have been working on a video together with Rowan’s drama tutor, Lindsey McAuley. The 8 minute film tells Joey’s incredible story of resilience and how he worked together with his friends to realise his dream of writing his own book.

Watch the film below. We hope you are as inspired as we were!